On December 26, 2022, at 75, John "Snuffy" Richard Smith took one last ride into the great unknown.

He was born on October 4, 1947 in Dayton, OH to Charles "Buck" Smith and Marian "Minnie" (Perhot) Smith. He graduated from Xenia High School, where he excelled in baseball and was a part of the '65 football team that was inducted into the Xenia Athletic Hall of Fame. He went to Bowling Green University where he played baseball. He was briefly in the Air Force. He had many early jobs, including train brakeman/ conductor, manager of the Cast Away Club, and deputy sheriff of Greene County. In 1984, he and his brother purchased a Harley-Davidson dealership, which they named Buckminn's after their parents, which was family owned for 25 years. He and his wife started the Xenia Harley Owners Group (HOG) 3938, which is an organization devoted to riding, fellowship, and service to their members and surrounding community. He started Rusty's Ride in the early 90s, which was named after a late employee, Rusty Shearer. For many years, the money raised was donated to the Greene County Combined Health District for families at Christmas. The dealership also gave to many local businesses and contributed to scholarships for seniors at XHS.

In his spare time, John loved to tinker, build, and fix. He was an extremely knowledgeable and skilled mechanic. He built numerous bikes for family members and customers over the years. He also collected and restored many old, vintage bikes for himself as well. He constructed many structures throughout his life, including a house, much like his father and grandfather. He was also a private pilot. He was known for taking his family and friends on a joyride in the sidecar or an adventure in his plane when he could.

His family was originally from Pittsburgh, PA, so of course he loved his Steelers and Pirates. He also enjoyed watching Ohio State Football.

John is preceded in death by his parents; his brother: Charles (Jo) Smith Jr; and two sisters: Marian "Mimi" Hurley and Jean (Frank) Marlowe.

He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Connie (Fox) Smith; his three children: Brittany Smith, Rod Smith, and Chad (Tami) Combs; his grandchildren: Reagan Smith, Samuel Smith, Cameron Combs, and Connor Combs; his sister: Janet (Myrl) Morris; Two nieces: Mary (Jim) Avrett and Vivian Williams; Six nephews: Tony Morris, John (Ben) Hurley, Dale (Dyann) Marlowe, Daniel Marlowe, David (Beth Ann) Marlowe, and Michael Marlowe. He leaves behind many dear friends. He loved his pets, especially his beloved cat, Max.

He was well-known throughout the motorcycle industry and the community. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, his customers, and everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Xenia HOG Club in John's memory.

A Gathering for friends and family will be held beginning at 3 PM Friday, January 6 ^th at Harley-Davidson of Xenia, 1213 Cincinnati Ave., Xenia. Please enter through Service Department Entrance.  A celebration of his life will follow Friday at 5:30 PM in the Service Department where there will be an opportunity for friends to openly share their stories at this time. He will be buried at Valley View Memorial Gardens. Services in care of McColaugh Funeral Home, Xenia.